Christmas Eve in Florida: Highlands Hammock

A warm Florida Christmas is something that will always feel like home. I couldn’t think of anything more fitting for the trip than to spend Christmas Eve out in nature, exploring Highlands Hammock State Park in my hometown. Dressed in clothes that wont be worn again for months- bare legs, sleeveless top – scouring the water for gators and turtles. It was the perfect temperature under the canopy of cypress trees, with just the right amount of breeze flowing through.

We took so many pictures because how could you not? The scenery is gorgeous. We only saw one gator but I assume there were many more hiding just out of sight in the weeds. I have so many memories in that park – field trips, family get togethers, etc. The catwalk through the cypress swamp (pictured) is by far my favorite part of the park. It’s so peaceful out there and there’s just something so fun about the tiny little bridge with only one rail. I remember falling halfway off of it once on a elementary school field trip, foot stuck in the mush. Now that I think about it – taking a ton of tiny unbalanced little people on a small bridge trail with one rail seems like a bad idea. But anyway – I love having those memories. ;]

Stay tuned for photos from the second part of our Christmas Eve afternoon out at Maxwell Groves. =)